Ashton-under-Hill

The Beckford Parish Alstone & Magazine Teddington

August 2018 50p

DENNIS OXLEY 18/3/1928 - 7/7/2018

Schedule of Services for The Parish of Overbury with

Teddington, Alstone and Little Washbourne, with Beckford and .

AUGUST Ashton Beckford Overbury Alstone Teddington

6:00pm 5th August 8:00am 9.30 am Evening NO 10th Sunday BCP HC CW HC Prayer SERVICE after Trinity S Renshaw S Renshaw S Renshaw

6.00 pm 9.30 am 12th August 9.30 am 11.00 am Evening Morning 11th Sunday CW HC CW HC Worship Prayer after Trinity S Renshaw S Renshaw R Tett R Palmer

11.00 am 9.30 am 6.00 pm 19th August 8.00 am Village Morning Evening 12th Sunday BCP HC Worship Prayer Prayer after Trinity R Tett G Pharo G Pharo S Renshaw

26th August 10:00am - United Parish Worship at Little Washbourne 13th Sunday M Baynes after Trinity

SEPTEMBER

11:00am 6:00pm 2nd September 8:00am Family 9:30am Songs of 14th Sunday BCP HC Service with CW HC Praise after Trinity S Renshaw Baptism S Renshaw D Lewis S Renshaw

Morning Prayers will be said at 8.30am on Fridays at Ashton. Holy Communion is celebrated at 10.00am on Wednesdays in St Faith’s Church, Overbury.

Clergy: Revd Canon Matthew Baynes Revd Canon Susan Renshaw Revd David Lewis Revd Rick Tett (Curate)

Readers: Roger Palmer

The Rector, Canon Matthew Baynes can be contacted at any time on: 01684 772237 or email: [email protected]. Parish Office: Tuesday mornings: 9.00am to 12noon: 01684 772237 Friday mornings (Beckford Village Hall),: 9am to 12 noon: 01386 881349 or [email protected] (Parish Secretary)

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‘God looked around at all that he had made, and he was very pleased’ Genesis Chapter 1

I have just had the privilege of going away with Debs my wife and Jacob our youngest son to Cornwall. I was brought up by the sea and in the countryside and sometimes take what is around me for granted. I am always blown away by God’s redeeming power through creation. I am blessed to wake up to the view of Hill and the surrounding area I live in from my living room window each morning.

On holiday my best days were just standing and watching the sea go in and out in Cornwall, which is very calming and peaceful. For those who watch Poldark I was standing on Holywell Bay where many of the scenes were filmed. As I watched the sea crashing against the rocks it reminded me of Jesus calming the storm and seeing some of the little boats heading out to sea made me wonder how those fishermen with Jesus were feeling. There is a calmness about the sea but also an underlying danger. It can be calm and peaceful one minute and then suddenly it can be raging and battering the rocks.

When I was little I used to sit in Brixham harbour watching the trawlers go out to sea and wondering if I would ever be on the sea. And my dream was to come true when I joined the Royal Marines and spent many a happy time on the sea and in it. My worst experience of being on the sea was going on a military boat to the Outer Hebrides. These boats are flat bottomed and therefore don’t take to storms well. We hit the storm half way across and we were being thrown about really badly, waves coming over the bow like I have never seen.

When we have storms in our lives - as we do – do we rely on God’s grace and love to guide us through and in Jesus Christ his son to help us and guide us in our every day lives, challenges and storms?

We have recently given our friend Denis Oxley, who was a Church Army Captain and had been ministering in the Beckford Group, into God’s care. He once told me that wherever we are in the world God will give us somewhere we can find peace even in our sometimes chaotic and hectic lives.

My prayer for us is to give ourselves time to listen to God’s voice whenever we face those storms and allow ourselves peace knowing God is with us always.

Blessings Rick

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Dennis Oxley: 18/3/1928 - 7/7/2018

Dennis’s death coming so close to the August magazine deadline has meant that there has not really been enough time to put together many reflections on his enormous contribution to our life as a parish and to the wider church. There will I am sure be more written in the September magazine when people have had time to gather their thoughts, but a few people have already begun to share reminiscences about this remarkable man who was a part of our parish story for well over twenty years. Dennis was a dedicated servant of the Church throughout his life, and the most extraordinarily prodigious visitor. His index card record system recorded in his beautiful handwriting each of the visits he made, along with little details about those whom he met. He touched many people’s lives and his legacy of love and Christian service will be remembered for many years. At the time of writing we are still in the process of putting together the arrangements for his Memorial service of which there will also be a report in the next Parish Magazine. If you have anything about Dennis you would like to share please contact Chris our magazine editor - contact details on the Directory page at the back of the magazine. Matthew

It was a warm sunny morning when I drove into the car park at the home where Dennis spent his last days. I had received a message saying that he was not too well and that he had expressed a desire to see me should I ever be in the area. As soon as an opportunity occurred I took it. Alas, I am not sure that my message saying what time I would arrive had got to Dennis and so when I did arrived he was sitting at lunch with two other residents. It was, believe it or not, some sixty years since we had last met and I wondered if we might recognize each other. Dennis was very subdued and as this visit took place only a week or so before his death he may not at the time have been feeling his normal self. As we chatted together memories came flooding back. I was a very young and inexperienced man just beginning my induction into full time lay Ministry. Dennis was a battle hardened warrior and conducted himself in the training college as a sort of Ecclesiastical Sergeant Major. He was one of the most disciplined individuals I have ever met. Never once did I see him without his Church Army uniform and hardly ever without his precious bible. It was Dennis who gave me my first introduction to public speaking by ushering me onto a soap box in Hyde Park. I was terrified as I had never spoken in public before and certainly had never experienced heckling from a crowd. I survived! Although Dennis and I represented different wings of the Church of , Dennis being clearly of an evangelical disposition and myself leaning more to the Anglo-Catholic side, this did not in any way mean that we were not united in basic beliefs. Whatever one may have thought of his battle hardened tactics one could not help but respect his dedication and sincerity. Our last meeting in the home did not last too long. He was clearly tired and approaching his last days on earth. We said our goodbyes and I left to speak at a gathering some miles away. My thoughts were with him as were my prayers. Those who knew him will certainly never forget him. He was a devoted servant of the Lord who sustained him. His name will live on as he rests in peace. Terry Waite CBE

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We had the privilege of working with Dennis in the summer of 1977 and then January to December 1978 on the Northern Mission team, with Dennis as team leader. He was a man of prayer and incredible Bible knowledge. When asked once how often he had read the Bible through cover to cover, he replied that he’d read it so often he couldn’t remember, but that he always made a point of reading through any new version of the Bible. He was something of a workaholic, but that emanated from his prayer life. He used to have a 5 year diary which went with him everywhere. Once we visited the Giant’s Causeway in Ireland and walked around the coastal path – with Dennis clutching his 5 year diary under his arm. When asked why he’d brought his diary with him, “Well, you never know do you?” he replied! The Northern Mission Team was working in Christ Church, Quarry Bank (Dudley) the week the 13 year old paperboy, Carl Bridgewater, was murdered near Stourbridge. Everyone was shocked, everyone was asking why and how could God allow such things to happen. I have no doubt that Dennis’s sermon for that Sunday was prepared on his knees well before we ever arrived in Quarry Bank, but he abandoned his prepared notes and preached the most incredibly powerful sermon saying that if the Christian Faith had nothing to say in these situations then it had nothing to say, was irrelevant and his faith was ill founded. On beach mission in the summer of 1977 Dennis was not only team leader, he was head cook too. He didn’t allow anyone into the kitchen, but said that was the team’s opportunity to have time off. We would always have porridge for breakfast and stew for evening meal. Any leftovers from the evening were added to the porridge leftovers from the morning and became the base for the following evening’s casserole. And so it went on through the week, “Waste not, want not” Dennis would say. As the week went on, and the concoction became ever more interesting, more and more team members had pressing reasons why they couldn’t be at evening meals and instead could be found with fish and chips on the beach! Kathleen Boyland

Back in the days when Dennis used to call on me for a coffee and to report on his pastoral rounds, one day in 2009 our conversation strayed to his training in the Church Army and we discovered a mutual connection of many years previously. It transpired that in the 1950s Dennis underwent his Church Army training at the old estate of Maiden Erlegh between Reading and Wokingham. Formerly the home of Solly Joel the diamond millionaire, the Victorian mansion had by then become the CA Training College. I was born in Wokingham and spent my early years at the family home in nearby Earley. The extensive woodlands and lake of Maiden Erlegh provided the perfect playground for local children and we'd spend many happy hours there - with distant glimpses of the splendid, domed house (now long-demolished) across the parkland. Strange to think that as I played there, a young Dennis may well have been studying inside. The vicar of Earley St Peter, Canon S C Robinson, was known to Dennis and I also knew him well, being in the choir of the daughter-church of St Nicolas. David Carvill

Among Dennis’s many talents was his almost encyclopaedic knowledge of the Scriptures, which he was able to use to good effect in his preaching, coupled with his ability to deliver a sermon while rarely referring to notes. When he came to preach at Chapel, you could be sure that all his hymns would be those from the older books and based on Scripture. His sick visiting was legendary, both in the home and in hospitals. I recall once being in Cheltenham Hospital in the early hours of one morning and meeting Dennis on the stairs on his way to visit someone from the parish who was facing the end of life alone. Dennis was there to provide comfort and company. A very humble man, Dennis will be missed for his wise counsel and the friendship he showed to all with whom he came in contact. Gerald Barnett, Ashton Free Church

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In 1992 Basil Jenkyn, vicar of the parish, was looking for a replacement for Paul Clark, a retired American clergyman living at St. Nicholas cottage who took services in the parish but was due to go back to the States after a 5 year stay. Basil was unable to find a retired C of E clergyman to replace Paul and had the great idea of approaching the Church Army. By June he had found, fortunately for us, Dennis who was due to retire in March 1993. After we said farewell and thank you to Paul in the November, the cottage was refurbished for Dennis with help from parishioners. Dennis arrived here in March around Gold Cup time and his first service at Teddington took place on Mothering Sunday, 21st March 1993 at which Dennis preached. After the service we were all invited back to the cottage for tea and cake baked by Dennis himself. We remember him as appearing rather shy at first but we soon got to know him well and he us! We learned of his caring and goodness, his sense of humour and his world-wide experiences in Africa, Tuam, Ireland and many other places. He was a very conscientious visitor of parishioners both at home and in hospital and well-loved by us all. Anne Kyle

Ivan and I first met with Dennis in Beckford Church in 1996. Ivan was being interviewed for the Incumbency of the Beckford Group of Churches. He was one of 4 candidates. Dennis was such a humble and Godly man. He told us that if Ivan got the post he would resign as he did not want to assume that Ivan would want him on his Team. That is history now. In August 2001 when Ivan died, Dennis had already given many years of service to the Beckford Group. Dennis did much of the visiting of the elderly and sick. Now Dennis has gone on to better things we should now realise, on seeing his card index box where he faithfully recorded every visit, the extent of Dennis’s contribution to the Pastoral needs of the Parishioners over time. His visits were not reserved for just the church goers. After I left the Vicarage in November 2001 and moved to , Dennis was a regular visitor. At least 2 hours would pass quickly. He would offload stuff and we would put the Parish to rights over the new order. All done with a great sense of humour and a lovely smile on his face! Recently Sue McLeish and I visited him in his care home. No sooner were we were in the door than Dennis pointed to a photograph (there was very little else of his personal stuff around) of him being presented with, I think it was 50 years in the Church Army Certificate by Ivan. If my memory is correct that must be around 20 years ago when we met in Beckford Church to celebrate his 50 years anniversary in the Church Army. Mary Butcher

After almost 25 years, it will be strange to print our Magazine and not see Dennis' smiling face. He was the most totally committed man of God I've ever met. Slight in build with a mild, gentle almost shy, nature he took on a totally different, fervent, forceful role whenever he rose to preach/pray in our churches. He became a regular visitor to The Old Police Station in Beckford and soon relaxed with us. Often he would recount some of his amazing experiences. I particularly enjoyed hearing of his work in troubled Belfast, so meaningful to me since I had been there myself. Jessie recalls how in the early days of our Parish Tea Parties, Dennis would bring along a tray of his homemade cup-cakes, always well received. His influence spread beyond our Parish: single-handed he took one needy family under his wing supporting them in many ways even after he stopped driving and moved to Abbeyfield. Throughout his time with us we have taken him his Parish magazine and we are thankful to have seen him at The Grange just a few days ago when we were treated to his smiling farewell. We will never forget him. Laurence and Jessie

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There was only one and will never be another Dennis Oxley!

Although I knew Dennis through the Church prior to 2002, this was the year that Dennis really entered mine and my late husband’s lives. In December 2001 my husband Roger was diagnosed and had major surgery for bowel cancer, which instantly changed our lives. After a few weeks Roger returned to our home in Gable Row, Overbury but remained very poorly. Dennis just appeared on the doorstep one day having heard about Rogers illness ..... well that is where a new friendship for Roger and I began. Roger was not a religious person and I remember the first few words shared between him and Den- nis .... he said to Dennis “ I’m not religious and I don’t want to talk about it!” Dennis immediately replied “Roger we can talk about anything you want ... but I don’t know much about sport!” So that is where Roger let him into his life and Dennis spent many an afternoon chatting away to him, about anything and everything that came to mind. These visits were a godsend to me as I was trying to look after a poorly husband and do my job as lunchtime supervisor and the caretaker of the village school. I was able to make them both a cup of tea and leave them to it knowing that he was not on his own. As time went on Roger was having to go into hospital quite a lot as well as his weekly visit for chemo treatment but Dennis continued to visit. During July that year sadly Roger became so poorly and was put on life support in intensive care. I stayed at Roger’s side for almost 2 weeks and Dennis came to visit us and just sit with us. On Roger’s last day Dennis arrived very early in the morning and sat talking to Roger for many hours while he slipped peacefully away. That is above what anyone could have asked of Dennis. Dennis continued to visit me for many years after Roger died, even after I moved house from Overbury to , frequently calling in on his way back from visiting people in hospital and nursing homes, and of course the kettle went on straight away.

May God take care of this ‘man with a heart of gold’ Pat Chambers

Dennis and I became involved with the A BOAT church group at about the same time, he as a lay minister, I as church warden. With a similar evangelical background we hit it off straight away and often shared fellowship together. It was during the time when Beckford had no organist and hymns were unaccompanied. On one notable occasion when Dennis was taking the service he started the hymn and, both of us being strong singers, I led the congregation. Unfortunately I had a slightly different tune in mind, the consequence being that from the second verse the congregation followed me. Dennis, being the gentleman that he was, followed us for the remaining verses. In conversation afterwards he remarked that the congregation followed me for the hymn but he hoped that they followed him for the sermon! When I took Reader training, he was a natural choice as my Mentor. On many occasions we took services together, gradually swopping roles as I became licenced. As he reduced his involvement , I seemed to be taking the services he once took and I have always looked upon the transition rather as Elisha taking on the mantle of Elijah, but there the comparison must end. It was a privilege to have known and worked with him and to be assured that he is now enjoying the reward for which he longed. Roger Palmer

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‘Someone knocking at the door, somebody ringing the bell and we let him in’ (to paraphrase Paul McCartney).…‘Good afternoon, I’m Captain Dennis Oxley of the Church Army: I understand you have just moved in?’ That was our introduction to Dennis over 20 years ago. Dennis came in and asked about us: where were we from, what did we do and why not come to church next Sunday. Well, we weren’t quite ready to come to church THAT Sunday but he wore us down over the next year and so eventually we turned up: two adults and three reluctant children. Perhaps selecting an Evening Praise was not the best choice to start with but we were made most welcome and we came back and back and back. Our three children were baptised at St Nicholas (all on the same day) and then I got roped into doing some of the readings, Joy on the cleaning rota and us on locking up list and before I knew it I was churchwarden. How did that happen? I blame Dennis. He got me into this, he got me back to church after a very long absence and he did this in a very easy, almost laid-back (not that he was laid-back) fashion. If I close my eyes now and think of Dennis 20 years or so ago, I can see a reluctant gardener (Dennis) balancing at the top of a rickety old ladder, cutting the hedge at St Nicholas Cottage. That sight also resulted in me and one of my reluctant children, taking over the ladder work whilst Dennis focused on ground work (well he was 70 and I was only 40). In those 20 years I had many, many laughs with Dennis. I helped (along with others) to move him three times, I visited him in hospital many times and in several different hospitals, I drove him around so he could visit the sick, I helped him with his finances and his shopping (as did many others), I took dictation whilst he reminisced about the old days and yet I feel very much in his debt. Simply knowing such a kind, considerate, selfless, person was a very positive experience and one I will carry with me and reflect upon for many years. God bless you Dennis, Kieran Whelan

Remembering Dennis Dennis Oxley was faithful and selfless in his service of the Beckford Group Parish. As well as leading worship every Sunday in churches across the parish, the other six days a week were spent in pastoral care. Dennis kept a card index system and his diaries so that he could recall without fail when he had visited any parishioner; he was a mine of information. He would call in at The Old Farmhouse, stay for a cup of tea and a chat and put the world to rights. If someone moved on into residential care outside the parish Dennis would continue to visit them so that they were not forgotten. One Sunday morning in the vestry at St Barbara’s he said how he wanted to carry on working to the end, “die with my boots on, and you can all sing ‘Thine be the Glory’ at my funeral”. He didn’t quite achieve the former, but we will always associate him with that rousing hymn. We give thanks for the privilege of having known such a self-effacing yet remarkable Christian, a true servant of his Lord. Alex and John Dodge

A self-effacing man of God from his head to his toes who devoted his whole life to the care of others, Dennis nonetheless had a wonderfully acerbic view of ecclesiastical bureaucracy and expressed his opinion with a well-crafted and extremely funny turn of phrase - always uttered with a mischievous twinkle. His pastoral support for our parishioners was second to none and, especially in the earlier years of his time with us, his oratory was remarkable. But it is perhaps his humility and extraordinary gift of himself to anybody in need, whatever their personal circumstance or history, that made him so very special. He has carved an indelible mark on all of us lucky enough to have known him. Faith Hallett

Many thanks to everyone who has already written about Dennis and helped to put together a picture of this much loved man. If you would like to contribute to a future edition with a short tribute, memory or anecdote, of which I’m sure there are many, please do contact me at: [email protected] or 01242 620006. Many thanks, Chris Godfrey, Editor

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News from Beckford From the Beckford Registers

29th June 2018 Funeral and Interment of Ashes: Roger Andrew Wilesmith (died 5th June 2018)

Beckford Open Village

As anticipated in last month’s magazine the sum raised on 2nd/3rd June has indeed edged over £12,000, standing currently at the astonishing total of £12,200 – though ongoing sales of the Well Fed! cookery book continue to add to this sum. (See page 15 for information on how you can still buy a copy.) We are hugely grateful for this good fortune and to all those whose joint efforts brought about this result.

Whilst it’s always been the intention that money raised was to support the maintenance and ministry of the church of St John the Baptist, in recognition of the enormous contribution of so many villagers – whether church-goers or not – the Church Committee once again wishes to make available some of the money collected to Beckford village organisations needing financial help in any projects serving our community. Accordingly, such organisations should contact David Carvill, Churchwarden, either in writing to The Cot, Main Street, Beckford, GL20 7AD or by email to [email protected] outlining their need, with all details, so that any requests can be considered by the Committee. The closing date for applications must be Friday 7th September.

Beckford Coffee Morning

On Friday 31st August our coffee morning will be held in the chancel between the usual hours of 10.30am and 12noon. Do come and join us for a pleasant social time with friends from the local villages – and occasional visitors from farther afield – over coffee or tea and a choice of home-made cakes. All for a minimum donation of £2.50 and with free beverage refills. Hope to see you there!

Beckford United Service Collection

We’re delighted to report that the collection at our United Service and Patronal Festival on Sunday, 24th June raised £136.92 for the Catch Project at Mzamomhle. This well-attended service, at which Matthew licensed the Eucharistic Assistants and at which John Dodge preached, also saw our farewell to Alex and John the day before they moved from Ashton under Hill. During the service Matthew presented them with a beautiful glass commemorative dish, which Bryony had made, recording our thanks for their work among us, showing the relevant dates, among a pattern of raised leaves and decorated with butterflies: a charming keepsake.

Beckford Village Hall Committee are holding a fund raising Barn Dance on Saturday 29th September at 7:30pm till exhaustion, in Beckford Village Hall.

So, put on your dancing shoes and come and support us for a fun evening. We have a band and caller, food is included in the ticket price and there will be a bar.

Tickets cost £12.00 for adults, under 16’s £6.00 and are available in the village shop or from Anne Worrall (01386 881 508)

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News from Ashton under Hill St Barbara’s Church, Ashton

Sunday 19th August: Village Worship with Graham Pharo at 11am Please note that this will be a shorter service than usual, followed by a Family Picnic in the Churchyard at 12 noon. Bring your own food plus a bit extra to share. Cake and drinks provided, and a few gentle games. (No ball games obviously). This is a new venture and we’d love you to join us if you can. Future themes for village worship include a talk in September by Nettie Mantle on her guiding trip to Zambia.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY: Looking well ahead!! Harvest Festival is 7th October Christmas Fair is 24th November Ashton Celebration of Christmas is 12th December

ASHTON UNDER HILL W.I. - July Report July has been a busy month for Ashton under Hill WI. We welcomed 26 members and 2 guests to our meeting to hear a talk on “My Life in Ice Cream” with Don Adams who had worked for the well-known “Walls” factory in Gloucester before it became part of Unilever. As it was during the very hot spell we really should have served samples of ice cream, but Don kept us entertained well enough instead. We weren’t surprised to learn that there is no cream in ice cream (unless it is hand-made) but milk solids do appear along with sugars, fats and oils and flavouring. It has a 30% water content and a lot of air - 50% in fact! Food for thought? How do they get it to taste so good? While we were digesting this information Don told us some amusing tales of his travels to Europe in the 1980s to harmonise production for Unilever in the EU. There had been a big change when the “Walls” company was bought out and standardised methods of making ice-cream were brought in. As an engineer, Don was sent to supervise new factories and set up computer programmes. In Ireland he discovered that Rentokil had been given the anti-vermin contract for the factory and thought it a good idea to powder-spray one of the machines. Brushes with the Mafia in Italy and the lack of hygiene in the Greek processes sounded equally horrifying, but he found the Belgian and German workers very efficient. Could there be some national stereotyping here? At the end of the talk, Mollie Groom gave the vote of thanks and Henrietta Cooke and Linda Everitt then served the refreshments. Marjy then reported that the WI teas at Open Gardens had made over £1300 for the event, the Ploughmans Platters being much praised – thanks to Ruth Clarkson. We are going to promote “Plastic –free July” and a mini-competition was launched to see what bright ideas members could come up with for reducing their own use. A group of us travelled to our partner WI in Ashton Keynes near Cirencester for their annual garden party. They made us very welcome and we look forward to reciprocating in August. A cool drink and plenty of shade was provided along with delicious cake, scones and sandwiches. A most successful outing to the Norton Museum in had been organised by Jen Creese. We didn’t know what to expect but found a highly individual collection of artefacts from local manufacturers long since gone – nails, buttons, glassware, a superb example of a rare motor bike sidecar – too many to describe. There were also examples of old fashioned shops with their original contents and work from the Bromsgrove Guild. It was all fascinating, and had us reminiscing and wishing we hadn’t thrown out the contents of granny’s attic. The star turned out to be Denis Norton himself, who completed the picture of how he’d saved many of these items. A remarkable man: orphaned at the age of three, sent away from home and not treated very kindly, he had nevertheless worked his way up through an apprenticeship at the Austin car factory in Longbridge eventually becoming a town counsellor in Bromsgrove and relishing a number of planning battles with the council on the way. His deep interest in local history and desire to preserve evidence of the local crafts is his way of giving something back to the community. We highly recommend this visit to any group. We finished the day off with a visit to Webbs at for lunch and a spot of shopping. The next meeting is the Garden Party at Orchard House on Tuesday 7th August at 2.30pm (Village Hall if wet). Judith Hunter

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News From Teddington and Alstone - The Chapelries August Services in The Chapelries

August 5th: 9:30am, Alstone - Holy Communion with Susan August 12th: 9:30am, Teddington - Morning Prayer with Roger August 19th: 6:00pm, Alstone - Evening Prayer with Susan August 26th: 10:00am, Little Washbourne - United Parish Worship with Matthew United Parish Worship at Little Washbourne

We hope you will join us for worship in this ancient and historic chapel. If it’s a dull day then do bring a torch as there is no electricity and the old box pews in particular can make reading difficult. The collection at the service will be in aid of the parish CATCH project in Mzamomhle and we are sure you will be generous in support of this vital work.

Do take great care when leaving Little Washbourne to drive home after the service as the dangerous junction with the Stow road has been the scene of several incidents/ accidents involving fast main road traffic.

We will be cleaning Little Washbourne church on the morning of Tuesday 21st August from 10am and hope some of you will be able to join us and, as George Herbert put it in Hymn 240 of A&M, “make drudgery divine, who sweeps a room, as for thy laws, makes that and the action fine”. Just in case there are any problems with this date or you have any other queries please get in touch with Anne Kyle on 01242 620351. We hope you will be able to help.

Coffee Morning held at Bengrove Farm on Saturday 7th July

Our Midsummer Coffee Morning at Bengrove Farm was once again a great success. The weather was great and the setting splendid. Thank you Alec and Libby very much indeed for hosting us. The excellent news is that we took over £600, which will be a great help in the running of our two churches. Many thanks to all those who did so much to help, gave items for the stalls, made cakes and generously supported us on the day.

SAVE THE DATE! Keep Saturday 8th September free for a Village Hall Summer Celebration for the RAF 100th Anniversary & the Suffragette Movement 100 years Anniversary of Votes for Women Details to follow next month.

TEDDINGTON VILLAGE HALL 50+ CLUB Friday 17th August, 2:30pm – 4.30pm Entrance fee of £3.00 includes a cup of tea/coffee & cake plus all participation activities for those wishing to take part. Family and friends most welcome.

For more information call Sue on 01242 620264, or Brian on 01242 620898 Page 11

News From Overbury News From St Faith’s June ended at St Faith’s with the very happy wedding of Georgina Gilder and Charles Day. Following the great success of the 40th Overbury Street Market, we will enjoy another highlight on Sunday 29th July with what I am sure will be a celebratory Group service in St Faith’s followed by the Parish Picnic. Very sadly, though, the month will end much less joyfully with the funeral of Gareth Jones, who lived for some time in Church Row with his partner Isabel and young daughter May and recently died suddenly and much too young in .

We will also, of course, be bidding a final farewell to Dennis Oxley who contributed so immeasurably to the life of our parish over so many years as can be seen from all the tributes and memories of him in this magazine.

The school summer holidays now stretch ahead – and with an uncharacteristically dry St Swithun’s Day this year we may even be looking forward to lots more blue skies over the coming weeks. Alas, all too soon after start of the new academic year, Canon Susan Renshaw will be retiring and we at Overbury will find ourselves in an interregnum until a new incumbent can be found to take on the parishes of Eckington, and with special responsibility for Overbury too. In the meantime, this glorious summer continues. June brought astonishing roses and our gardens seemed to be especially bountiful following the cold winter and wet spring. Now, however, lawns are crackling underfoot and look more akin to the Gobi Desert than the , so some rain would definitely be very welcome. However, being able to plan

outdoor events with certainty has definitely not lost its appeal and neither has eating almost every meal in the garden.

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION A happy evening party for members of the Beckford & Ashton under Hill Branch of the Royal British Legion was held in the garden at Whitcombe on 5th July, when long service awards were also presented to our local poppy sellers by the Branch President, John Gill. Recipients were:

5 Years: Mr Brian Hemming 10 Years: Mrs Judy Green Mrs Georgina Milway Mrs June Whittle 15 Years: Mr Derril Green 20 Years: Mr Charlie Brazier (to receive his award at the AGM) 35 Years: Mrs Libby Hopkins(to receive her award at the AGM) Mr Alick Ralphs 45 Years: Mr Peter White

The event was also attended by Councillor Adrian Hardman who had generously organised a significant donation from Worcester County Council in order to support the Branch’s participation in the Great Pilgrimage 90 – the largest event ever organised by the Royal British Legion. A decade after the end of WW1, veterans and war widows visited the battlefields of the Somme and Ypres before marching to the Menin Gate in Ypres on 8th August 1928. On 8th August 2018, two representatives from every branch and county will have the chance to carry their standards along the same route in Ypres to the Menin Gate, representing an entire generation that served while defending their country. Over 1000 branches will be represented including our own. Long serving County standard bearer, Derril Green, who used to work for the Overbury Estate, and Beckford resident and Branch Poppy Appeal Organiser, Ian Dickson, will be participating thanks to generous support from local organisations and individuals. It will be a memorable event. The party was also attended by Theresa Carpenter, who brought some examples of her truly remarkable poppy quilts, squares for which have been made by contributors from all over the world. See page 16 for details of the Poppy Quilt Auction at Overbury V.H. on 18th August.

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OVERBURY STREET MARKET

A warm, sunny morning attracted the usual large number of visitors to our 40th Street Market on 14th July. Early indications show an increase on last year’s record income of £3,943 – further details to follow next month. Without the help of the many people involved in organising and setting up the stalls, and with all the clearing away afterwards, this event would not happen, so “thank you” again to everyone who gave up their time to support this year’s event. Andrew John - Chairman

Overbury School Report

As if June wasn’t filled with enough summer excitement, we finished this academic year with an array of adventures.: activity days, Overbury Street Market, Tewkesbury Medieval parade, Australian themed Arts Week, Cluster Main Games and a Leavers’ service to name a few…

Tewkesbury Medieval Festival The Medieval Festival has been the high spot of Tewkesbury’s summer since 1984. It is widely regarded as the largest free medieval gathering of its kind in Europe, and attracts re-enactors, traders and entertainers, and visitors from all over the world. Its central attraction is a re-enactment of the Battle of Tewkesbury, on part of the site of the original 1471 battlefield. Many of the participants, including wives and children, live as a medieval army in authentic medieval encampments for the whole weekend. Before the festival opens to the public, Sundial Class is lucky enough to visit a preview. Every year is slightly different for us, but our favourite historical adventures have included singing and drumming workshops, mastering and performing two different medieval dances, archery, foam sword fighting and the ultimate challenge, how to squire. Battles were rife in that particular era, so squires were an essential aid to their knights. We have learnt to attend to knights horses, wait on knights, assist with the dressing of a knight and ensure that armour and weapons are in good working order. The children’s hard work was personally congratulated by the King of England himself, Edward, and the Austrian Queen, Margaret. As if that wasn’t enough entertainment for one day, they completed the experience with a hilarious performance from the official court jesters. On Sunday 15th July, we were fortunate enough to take part in the Grand Parade through Tewkesbury. Some current and past pupils of Overbury, and their parents, dressed in medieval attire and carried mini jester heads as part of the procession (not forgetting the giant jester head they created in 2016). A fabulous time was had by all and we cannot wait to be involved again next year!

School Reopens for the Autumn Term: Tuesday 4th September

For more information regarding events, and updates, please visit our new school blog, which can be accessed via our website. http://www.overbury.worcs.sch.uk/

St Faith’s Church, Overbury 200 Club Draw Results, Sunday 1st July

Prize Number Amount Name 1st 180 £180.00 Mr Derek Ebbage 2nd 126 £108.00 Mrs Janet Bishop 3rd 103 £ 72.00 Sue & John Burnham 4th 1 £ 54.00 Mrs Loraine Randles 5th 178 £ 36.00 Mrs Rosemary Harding 6th 25 £ 36.00 Mr Mick Porter 7th 17 £ 18.00 Mrs Pat Chambers 8th 98 £ 18.00 Mr Alexander Southby 9th 31 £ 18.00 Mrs Jan Gilder Congratulations to all these winners and ‘Thankyou’ to everyone who has continued to support us again this year. If you would like to purchase a number for our December draw please contact either Michael Randles on 01386 725564 or Pat Chambers on 01386 750358. Application forms are also available inside St. Faiths Church, Overbury.

Page 13

BECKFORD W.I. - July Report

Our President, Yo Yates welcomed 26 members to the garden of Sam Wing, our Treasurer, for the July Garden Party meeting of Beckford W.I. Since the last meeting members had enjoyed the monthly walk which took them from Eckington to Birlingham and then to the lock at Nafford returning via the road to Eckington. 9 members went to visit the confetti fields at Wick near and enjoyed tea and cake after viewing the flowers. Bredon W.I had organised a theatre trip to see “Matilda” in London and some of our members joined them on a very enjoyable day out. The stage sets were especially impressive and the performance was excellent.

There was a report from the Group delegate from W.I. who had been to the Annual Meeting of the NFWI in Cardiff. She wrote that the two speakers were Stella Rimington, well-known for her role as Director-General of MI5 and Huw Edwards who has worked for the BBC for over 30 years. Both spoke well about their interesting lives.

Yo had received a letter of thanks from Rev Matthew Baynes on behalf of the Beckford Open Village Committee, for the help given during the Open Village event in June. The bi-monthly Book Club is to discuss “Sense and Sensibility” by Jane Austen this month and there is a Skittles match planned against Newtown W.I. to take place at Beckford Social Club. The Scrabble club meets again in September. Plans are afoot for a trip to visit the last Concorde at Filton in the autumn and members were encouraged to put forward suggestions for any other places of interest that they might like to visit. The programme of talks is being prepared for 2019 and it already promises to have a wide range of topics of interest.

Once the business part of the meeting was concluded we enjoyed the food prepared by all the members and as the weather was cooler than of late, the evening could not have been more pleasant. There is no meeting in August. The next meeting is on Monday September 10th at 7.30pm when the speaker is Carol Southworth and the subject of her talk is “Richard III - The Legend, the History and the Bones”. All visitors are most welcome.

Clare Henderson, Meeting Secretary

Beckford Community Village Hall Ltd

There is not a great deal to report from the Village Hall committee following its meeting on 25th June.

There will be a Barn Dance in the hall on September 29th: see notice on page 9. The Croquet Club would like a water supply at their hut, and the Tennis Club plans a new viewing platform. Future bookings are looking good, both for the hall and for the fields.

But we still have no taker for the post of Booking Clerk! See the plea placed in last month's magazine. Without a Booking Clerk the hall cannot survive financially, and before long our present clerk will no longer be with us in Beckford

Graham Galer, Secretary BCVH Ltd 01386 882200: [email protected]

Page 14

WELL FED! Still for sale

The book of recipes from 'Well Fed! Special Recipes from Beckford and Beyond' was a great success at Beckford Open Village. There have been many positive comments about the recipes from local people and those with a special connection to the village. We have sold over three hundred copies so far. We still have some copies to sell. They are great to cook from, great as gifts and very affordable at only £5 each.

As with Beckford Open Village, all proceeds go to St John the Baptists, Beckford. Copies are available from David Carvill ([email protected] or 01386 882002) or from Beckford Village Stores.

2018 SEASON

The recent (33rd) annual Six-a-Side Competition was won by Tewkesbury, who defeated Overbury in the final: two really competitive nights of good cricket.

As we move into the second half of the 2018 league season, the First XI are sitting third in the Premier Division; the Second XI have had mixed fortunes this year but hope to remain in Division 5. On Sunday 19th August, Overbury are playing at home to Bredon in the 20/20 Big Bash competition sponsored by the Crown Inn, Kemerton – please come and support us !

We still need Senior players to join us! Training nights are held on Tuesdays (6.30pm – 8pm).

Dave Devereux, OCC Chairman: 01684 850329 or 07949 648372 http://overbury.play-cricket.com

Overbury Bowling Club win South Triples Gala Day

In glorious June sunshine, eight teams from four local bowling clubs convened in for the annual South Worcestershire Triples Gala Day. The competition consists of each team playing five short games against opponents drawn at random. The Gala Day is a highlight of the season, complete with trophies and cash prizes, so clubs aim to field their "best" triple to maximise their chance to claim victory. In their first game, Overbury A secured a narrow victory of 5-4 against Aston B and then went on to win all five of their games to win the tournament with the maximum 10 points. Snapping at their heels were Bredon A and Evesham A, both with 9 points, Evesham A securing the runners-up trophy on shots difference. Geoff Hinton, the SWT organiser, said "Congratulations go to Overbury A who won all 5 of their games".

New members, both young and senior, are always welcome to join in this very social and sporting activity. The club has both equipment and qualified coaches to get the inexperienced up and running quickly.

For more information, contact Overbury Bowling Club at [email protected] or one of the club officials listed on www.overburybowling.net

Page 15

The Frontline Walk Elly Clark, who grew up in Overbury (and is an ex-typist of this magazine) is taking part in the Frontline Walk - a 100km trek across the battlefields of WWI which will this year commemorate the Centenary of WW1, whilst helping to support the soldiers and veterans of today.

‘The 2016 Frontline Walk was life-changing for me in several ways; the 2018 walk promises to be no less a feat, but more importantly the funds raised are life-changing for veterans and their families supported by the Army Benevolent Fund, often in ways the media and the public never hear about. I'm hugely passionate about this charity and honoured to be able to raise funds for them again in such a special way. It will be a physically and emotionally tough challenge, as I follow in the footsteps of those who fought 100 years ago. I'm doing it all for ABF The Soldiers' Charity, the national charity of the British Army. They support soldiers, veterans and their families when they need it most. As this year marks the centenary of the end of World War One. I cannot think of a better way to commemorate the fallen, and those who lived to tell their stories, than to walk in their footsteps. If you would like to contribute to my fund-raising, please visit my page. http://fundraising.soldierscharity.org/ellymoo

Thank you, Elly

In commemoration of the end of WW1 Centenary I will be holding an auction of Poppy Quilts made from panels embroidered all over the world. The venue is Overbury Village Hall. Refreshments will be available along with a raffle. The famous Poppy Truck will also be in attendance to help raise funds for Royal British Legion.

18th August: Poppy Quilt Auction & Poppy Truck at Overbury Village Hall Doors open at 10:00am and the Auction starts at 12noon Your chance to own a piece of future history.

If you would like more information beforehand please contact me on 07983 583460 or view my Facebook page ‘Teresa’s 888246 Poppy Project’

All proceeds to the Royal British Legion

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Page 16

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The Parish Magazine takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised. Page 3

HOLIDAY HOMES TO RENT “ASHBEE” BED AND BREAKFAST WOOD LANE, ASHTON UNDER HILL Dingle Cottage in SOLVA, Pembrokeshire Sleeps 4, 2 bedrooms. WR11 7SQ Mulberry Cottage in BECKFORD. Sleeps 2/3, 1 bedroom. Comfortable en-suite accommodation set in a quiet location Penny Black in Le Chinaillon/Grand Bornand, Breakfasts include our own France. Chalet apartment, sleeps 6. Perfect for skiing and spring/summer trekking. free range eggs and honey. For further details please look at the website: www.jeans-holiday-homes.co.uk JENNIFER CREESE or contact the owner direct on 01386 881230 or Tel: 01386 881266 Mobile 07767205968 email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] The Old Post House & Barn Holloway Farm House Elmley Rd, Ashton under Hill, WR11 7SW (nearly opposite The Star)

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Why not try our fabulous Sunday Roast or tempting specials, or Spires sausage & mash from the family farm? Or just pop in for a drink, we would love to see you. All occasions catered for. 2 for £12 from our Lunch Menu - Mon to Fri Open Fires, Real Ales, Great Wine & Food

THE COFFEE SHOP @ Beckford Silk raspberryhen.co.uk Danni and Heather welcome you. High quality handmade bespoke curtains, blinds, lampshades & cushions. Open Monday to Saturday Locally based near Teddington. 9.00am – 4.00pm Sample books available. Call for free no obligation home visit. Ashton Road, Beckford, 07811 045055 / 01242 620346 , GL20 7AU [email protected] Tel: (01386) 881507 / (07568) 170794 Discount available on first purchase of curtains, [email protected] please quote PM2018 subject to T and Cs.

Page 4 The Parish Magazine takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised.

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Carrick Travel is your local Independent Travel Agent, why not call in, let us make you a coffee and have a chat about your future holiday plans. Sharon and Beckie in our Evesham office have a huge range of exciting holidays on offer to suit all budgets and tastes. G.L.B Ltd So if your next adventure is a seaside family holiday, a round the world trip or a city Specialists in Oil Fired break then Carrick Travel is the perfect Central Heating Systems destination.

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Page 6 The Parish Magazine takes no responsibility for goods or services advertised.

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PARISH DIRECTORY - AUGUST 2018

Canon Matthew Baynes Vicar, Beckford Group Parish 01684 772237 Pastoral Area of Responsibility: Beckford, Teddington and Alstone [email protected] Rector of Bredon with Bredon’s Norton,

Canon Susan Renshaw Associate Priest 01386 750203 Pastoral Area of Responsibility: Overbury [email protected] Vicar of Eckington with Defford and Besford, Rural Dean of Pershore

Revd David Lewis Associate Priest 01386 710394 Pastoral Area of Responsibility: Ashton under Hill [email protected] Rector of Elmley Castle with Netherton, , Great &

Revd Rick Tett Curate of Eckington & Defford cum Besford (Working across the Bredon Hill 01386 751152 Group) [email protected]

Readers Roger Palmer 5, Hill View Cottages, Cheltenham Road 01386 881746

Treasurer Mike Sanger-Davies 01386 881910 Parish Enquiries via The Rectory, Bredon 01684 772237 Parish Secretary: Amanda Bath [email protected] Tues 9 - 12, The Rectory, Bredon 01684 772237 Fri 9 - 12, Parish Office, Beckford 01386 881349

Saint John The Baptist’s Church, Transport Co-ordinators Beckford

Churchwarden David Carvill 01386 882002 Overbury Faith Hallett 01386 725206 Secretary Graham Galer 01386 882200 Teddington Rosie Atkin 01242 620565 Treasurer Pam Grice 01386 882514 Alstone Betty Beckman 01242 620289 Organist Mike Sanger Davies 01386 881910 Ashton vacant Flowers Doreen Byrd 01386 881360 Beckford Roger Palmer 01386 881746

Bell ringers Nick Hopkins 01386 710136 Minibus Saint Faith’s Church, Overbury Andrew Barnett 01386 881145

Churchwarden Faith Hallett 01386 725206 Paul Stephenson 01386 882052 Secretary Christine Clark 01386 725405 (backup co-ordinator) [email protected]

Treasurer Joss Muirie 07736 957310 Disability Awareness Officer Organist Anne Brown 01684 292231 Pat Chambers 01386 750358 Flowers Stef Lemarechal 01386 725325 Bell ringers Ros Long 01386 725111 Parish Safeguarding Officer Saint Barbara’s Church, Amanda Bath - see Parish Secretary above for Ashton-under-Hill contact details

Contacts for Alastair Humphrey 01386 881479 Magazine St Barbara’s David Hunter 01386 882087 Editor Treasurer David Hunter 01386 882087 Chris Godfrey 01242 620006 Organist Anthony Greenwood 01386 881278 Email: [email protected] Flowers Judith Hunter 01386 882087

Bell ringers Nick Hopkins 07790 831787 Advertising Choirmaster Alastair Humphrey 01386 881479 Be Collins 01242 620401 Regular Giving Alastair Humphrey 01386 881479 Email: [email protected]

Saint Margaret’s Church, Alstone & St. Nicholas’ Church, Teddington Treasurer Laurence Alexander 01386 881814 Churchwardens Anne Kyle, 01242 620351 The Old Police Station, Beckford, GL20 7AD Kieran Whelan 01242 620763 Secretary Nicholas Bentley 01242 620292 News Team Treasurer Mike Wignall 01242 620031 Beckford Jessie Alexander 01386 881814 Flowers: Chapelries Bill & Anne Kyle 01242 620351 Teddington Caroline Marsh 01242 621139 Overbury Ros Long 01386 725111 Alstone Jane Rogers 01242 620592 Ashton Alastair Humphrey 01386 881479 Organist Matthew Birch 01386 881980 Web Site

www.bredonhillgroup.org

2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th Meditation Thursday, Committee Rm, Beckford Village Hall 6:00pm 3rd Ashton Lunch Club, Chapel Hall 12:30pm 7th Ashton W.I. Garden Party at Orchard House 2:30pm 16th Deadline for magazine entries for September 17th Teddington Village Hall 50+ Club, Teddington V.H. 2:30pm 18th Poppy Quilt Auction in Overbury V.H.- see page 16 for details 24th Parish Minibus Shopping Trip to Fosseway Garden Centre, Stow on the Wold 26th United Parish Worship at Little Washbourne 10:00am 31st Beckford Coffee Morning in the Church Chancel 10:30am

Upper Kemerton Open Gardens Sunday 1st July

A hugh thank you to everyone who came, helped and supported this event - it was a very hot and happy afternoon and we were able to send Midlands Air Ambulance a cheque for £1,400. Thank you.

Parish Minibus Shopping Trips in August

For this year, due to a reduced demand for the Worcester trip every fortnight, we now vary the destination on the fourth Friday each month.

3rd and 17th to Bishops Cleeve 10th to Worcester 24th to Fosseway Garden Centre, Stow on the Wold

Picks up from all villages on request. Call Andrew Barnett on 01386 881145